Exhale now... with stunning white beaches, aqua-blue waters, picturesque shorelines, abundant rainforest, spectacular towering escarpments and a multitude of warm and welcoming locals, you can sit back, relax and escape the daily grind with any kind of bliss you choose, all in one region... Capricorn.
Enjoy a land of contrast - from sunbathing on secluded beaches to scrambling through underground caves or exploring grounds where our ancestors once roamed. Enjoying urban dining and nightlife, or escaping to an outback retreat. Capricorn is the perfect place to unwind and let go, connect with nature, and each other.
Central Queensland’s Capricorn region begins approximately 630 km north of the capital city of Brisbane and covers an area of 115,000 square kilometres, stretching from the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Capricorn Coast in the east, through the major city of Rockhampton and further west to Emerald, the Sapphire Gemfields and spectacular Carnarvon Gorge
Natural Encounters
Whether you are looking for adventure or seeking quieter pleasures, the Capricorn region is a natural paradise of vast National Parks.
Step straight onto the fringing reef surrounding the Keppel Islands and snorkel through crystal clear waters – with pristine coral this close now everyone can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
Millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion have created some of the most dramatic sandstone gorges you will find anywhere in Australia, their deep rock crevices concealing ancient Aboriginal art.
Carnarvon Gorge National Park and Blackdown Tablelands National Park are highlights. The region is also host to some ecologically sensitive and unique wetlands, breeding areas and marine protection zones that are significant because of the extent and richness of their diversity. Escape to a rainforest oasis at Byfield, at the Capricorn Coast.
Dining & Nightlife
Rockhampton is the Beef Capital of Australia and offers premium export quality produce, but beef is not the only thing on the menu in Capricorn.
Spend a lazy Saturday morning shopping for sun-ripened mangoes, pineapples or lychees at the local Capricorn Coast markets or visit a local seafood shop and indulge in Queensland’s best by the beach.
The Rockhampton Riverbank Precinct along historic Quay Street, boasts numerous restaurants catering for all budgets. Enjoy hip wine and cocktail bars, sophisticated riverside dining, and funky Gastro-pubs.
Feeling thirsty? In Capricorn you’re never far from a cold beverage at one of the region’s charming old pubs. The region’s pubs have a colourful history and are never short of a quirky character to tell you a yarn.
Accommodation
The Capricorn Region has a variety of accommodation styles to suit everything from singles and couples to large families wanting to self-cater. Even better, you can take your pick from beachfront views, urban sophistication, rainforest retreats or outback adventures – Capricorn boasts a variety of unique locations.
Throughout the Capricorn Region there are many different styles of accommodation available. Whether you are planning a holiday to relax and enjoy a luxurious break, or are looking for a rough and ready adventure – there is an accommodation option for everyone. With 3 to 4 ½ star hotel & motels, caravan parks throughout the region or backpacker hostels for those on a budget, you’ll find your resting place in Capricorn.
Things to See & Do
Looking for a little fun? Imagine cuddling up to a Koala or skydiving from 12 000 feet! Kids and adults alike love the variety of activities and attractions on offer in the Capricorn Region.
Wildlife Sanctuaries, island boom-netting, gem fossicking, and exploring ancient forests are all on offer throughout this diverse region! Go on a wild caving adventure at Capricorn Caves where you can explore natural limestone caves and squeeze through tight tunnels if you choose.
Experience the thrills of a live rodeo, fossick for thundereggs at Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park or travel back in time at the Rockhampton Heritage Village. These are just a taste of the range of attractions found in Capricorn!
The Capricorn Region is home to some of Queensland’s most stunning Golf Courses. Hone your game on the two award winning courses at Capricorn Resort Yeppoon.
A round of golf will take you on a beautiful scenic tour through spectacular wetlands and native Melaleuca Bushland. The prestigious Pro Am event hosted annually on these courses in July/August has received the PGA ‘Players Choice Tournament of the Year’ award for 7 years.
Rockhampton Golf Club in the heart of Rockhampton City has been listed in Australia’s top 100 golf courses and annually hosts the Ian Weigh Motors PGA Pro Am competition. At nearby Zilzie, the Reef Palms Entertainment and Recreation Centre offers golfers a world-first synthetic 18 hole golf course with a spectacular view of the Keppel Islands.
Most fishermen would agree that nothing comes close to the thrill of reeling in your own catch, and in the Capricorn Region there are plenty of opportunities for you to do just this.
Australia’s iconic fish inhabit the waters of Rockhampton’s Fitzroy river, with Barramundi found in both the fresh and saltwater reaches of the river. The Central Highlands also offer some of the best freshwater fishing in the region, with immense lakes and dams offering great Australian catches.
Cast a line in from one of the Capricorn Coast’s long stretches of beach, or, if you prefer fishing deeper water, book yourself onto a bare boat fishing charter and have a local take you to the best fishing hotspots.
Arts & Culture
Each year a busy calendar of exhibitions, lectures, films, music and drama performances is presented at galleries, community art spaces, theatres and festivals throughout Capricorn.
The Rockhampton Art Gallery showcases a nationally significant collection of around 1,500 Australian, British and Japanese art works. The Capricorn Coast hosts a vibrant arts scene, with the Paint Pot Gallery in Yeppoon, the Gallery in Emu Park and Nob Creek Pottery in Byfield. The Central Highlands is not to be forgotten, with Emerald boasting the world’s biggest Van Gogh Sunflower painting, and breathtaking Indigenous rock art found throughout the National Parks.
Those interested in live performances can enjoy a range of film festivals, celebrate arts and music at the Village Festival, or enjoy theatre, live music and comedy at venues throughout the region.
Family Friendly
New and exciting experiences are around every corner in Capricorn – sun, surf, native animals and kid-friendly activities are waiting for you!
Capricorn is full of white, sandy beaches where Mum and Dad can relax in comfort whilst the littlies enjoy the delights of the calm surf. Our warm climate means you can enjoy a swim all year round!
Rockhampton is a family friendly hot spot, with many free attractions to keep both parents and kids occupied. Why not visit Rockhampton Botanic Gardens - this features a small zoo where the most popular exhibit is the entertaining Chimps - Ockie and Cassie. The Sapphire Gemfields are a must see when travelling the region. Families can enjoy underground mine tours and learning how to fossick for their very own sapphires.
October 2010
9-10 Yeppoon Lions Club Tropical Pinefest ( Yeppoon )
The Yeppoon Pineapple Festivals have been organised each Spring since 1967 by the Lions Club of Yeppoon and offers a variety of free and popular family events including a large Festival Parade.
15-16 Rocky Barra Bounty ( Fitzroy River, Rockhampton )
JRocky Barra Bounty celebrates its 11th year in 2009 and promises to be bigger and better than ever! Land a big one at this 2-day, 5 star fishing event.
November 2010
12-13 CRCA Bullzye Rodeo Finals Spectacular
December 2010
1-14/1 Summer Solstice ( Capricorn Caves )
Be dazzled by the amazing Summer Solstice at the Capricorn Caves. This natural phenomenon is unique to the Caves and is sure to amaze all visitors. Best seen on the 11:00am tour.
February 2011
Feb-April Crocodile Hatching
Drop in to the Koorana Crocodile Farm to see the hatching of baby crocs. The hatching season runs from February through to April.
30-2/3 Golden Mt Festival ( Mt Morgan )
Get swept up in the gold rush at the Golden Mt Festival, featuring attractions including “Running the Cutter”, a rang of stalls, a street parade and more.
July 2011
17-26 Camco Group MotorMania CQ ( Rockhampton & Capricorn Coast )
Warm up your engines and grab yourself a front-row seat for the highest-octane event ever to be staged in Central Queensland – Camco Group MotorMania CQ. This major ten-day festival offers an array of events, competitions, displays and social occasions to suit all ages.
